Wisconsin Democratic Leader Comments on Thanksgiving Controversy

Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Devin Remiker addressed questions about Thanksgiving during a CNN interview on Tuesday. This followed a statement reversal by Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and state gubernatorial candidate, regarding the holiday.

CNN host John Berman inquired about Remiker’s personal view on Thanksgiving. Remiker responded, “I love Thanksgiving. I even host a Friendsgiving every year, so I basically do Thanksgiving twice.” He also mentioned a political jab, suggesting that Rep. Tom Tiffany might struggle at Thanksgiving after losing the governor’s race. Remiker quipped that the sweet potatoes might remind Tiffany of the president’s spray tan, which he blamed for his election loss.

Berman asked Remiker about the challenges of addressing questions about Thanksgiving, given Hong’s earlier controversial statements against the holiday. Remiker viewed it as an opportunity to criticize Republican Tiffany, arguing that Tiffany would make Thanksgiving more costly for Wisconsinites. He cited increases in grocery and gas prices needed for the holiday. “I think it’s great to point out how Tom Tiffany is making Thanksgiving more expensive,” Remiker stated.

Francesca Hong faced scrutiny after an old post surfaced, in which she had called for canceling Thanksgiving due to comparisons she drew with the pandemic. Recently, Hong declared Thanksgiving her favorite holiday, indicating a change of stance. “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving,” she said in an interview. Politico noted that her earlier controversial remarks may have been intended humorously.

Tiffany spokespersons criticized the Democratic Party for supporting what they described as a socialist agenda. They claim that Tiffany remains focused on economic issues that affect Wisconsin families, as well as public safety and job creation.